The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Raffaele F. Pezza (MCSN: 451811), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, Third Amphibious Corps in action against Japanese forces during an attack on the Division Hospital at Guam, Mariana Islands on 26 July 1944. Refusing to seek shelter although ill with fever and hospitalized at the time, Private First Class Pezza armed himself and went forward gallantly to resist the Japanese, killing one by his accurate fire and contributing materially in delaying their advance and in covering the evacuation of the patients. He held his position until he was wounded and evacuated. His courage and action exerted a steadying influence on the other patients and his selfless devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon Private First Class Pezza and the United States Naval Service.